Latest News
Conor Niland’s The Racket Wins William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024
Former Irish tennis professional Conor Niland has won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024 with his memoir The Racket: On Tour with Tennis’s Golden Generation.
The Racket becomes the first tennis book to clinch the world’s longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize in its history and Niland is the first author from the Republic of Ireland to win since Paul Kimmage’s Rough Ride: Behind the Wheel with a Pro Cyclist in 1990.
Niland’s autobiography describes the highs and lows of his career on the ATP Tour, revealing the hardships of the majority of players struggling to balance the books as they seek to breakthrough against the game’s best.
The Racket is an underdog story that lifts the lid on the perils of match-fixing and doping in tennis, while also sharing light-hearted tales of Niland’s seven years on the road.
The debut release from the 43-year-old was one of six books shortlisted for this year’s award, which was decided by a six-person judging panel, with Niland beating off competition from the likes of double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes and Afghanistan women’s football captain Khalida Popal.
Niland’s memoir was crowned the winner by a judging panel comprising chair Alyson Rudd, Clarke Carlisle, Gabby Logan, Dame Heather Rabbatts, Mark Lawson and Michelle Walder. In addition to the prestigious trophy, Niland also claims the winning £30,000 prize.
Alyson Rudd, Chair of the judging panel, said: “We are delighted to present Conor Niland with the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024 for his astonishing autobiography, The Racket.
“This prize seeks to highlight the best in sports writing and there is no doubting the fact that Conor’s work is of the highest calibre, offering a fascinating insight into his career as a tennis professional.
“The book brings the reader into the world of elite sport, but also emphasises the relatable underdog story of an everyman fighting against the odds to fulfil their dreams.
“The panel wishes to praise all six nominated authors and another year of stunning releases, showcasing the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences.”
Winning author Niland said: “I accept this award with a lot of humility. The other shortlisted books are incredible stories so I feel very fortunate to have won and so grateful.
“This is all pretty improbable. My brother told me I would win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award when he read this last Christmas, I took that with a pretty large pinch of salt, but he was right. It’s amazing.
“The pro tennis tour is a little bit of a misunderstood sport, we were able to show what the world is really like, for the guys a little bit further down the rankings.”
The post Conor Niland’s The Racket Wins William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
In the misty forest at dawn, a mysterious howl pierces the silence. What mysteries does the seemingly ordinary forest hide? And what is the source of that howl?
Big Brown is an online slot from the provider Endorphina featuring 6 reels, 4 rows, and 4096 fixed pay ways. The slot takes players through the beaten forest pathways, introducing them to different woodland creatures. By befriending the animals players will summon the strength and wisdom to track down this mysterious creature and uncover secrets deep in its lair.
As a mix of mystic and animal slots, Big Brown provides an unparalleled gaming experience that immerses players in an entirely secluded world. Big Brown features Scatters and two different Expanding Wild symbols – the Brown Bear and the Raging Bear. In this slot, the Raging Bear can double winnings and multiply multipliers! Furthermore, Big Brown also features Free Spins where an Expanding Wild symbol is guaranteed to appear.
Dedicated to innovation and unparalleled gaming experiences, Endorphina provides players with award-winning slots that instantly grab attention. At Endorphina, we supply player favorites and best-in-class games, constantly raising the bar in game development. Take a sneak peek at our multi-product portfolio and explore the endless possibilities with Endorphina slots!
The post Endorphina Unleashes Bear Spirit to Double Winnings appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
PlayUZU, the flagship Spanish-language brand from global entertainment powerhouse SkillOnNet, is now live in the newly regulated Peruvian market.
Peruvian players can now enjoy top quality, localized content at PlayUZU.pe, along with the brand’s famous guarantee of no wagering requirements – ever. PlayUZU is marketed as a “fair” online casino that offers players a better deal by refusing to add playthrough requirements to its bonuses.
The launch will be backed by a multimedia marketing campaign to highlight the core values of the PlayUZU brand: fun, transparency, simplicity and responsible gaming.
This will include a significant television advertising push, supported by an extensive digital marketing campaign via search-engine positioning, social networks and influencers. The campaign aims to enforce the brand’s positioning, which is all about providing an innovative and entertaining space where players can have fun whether they win or lose.
After first launching in Spain in 2020 where it has since become a household name, PlayUZU has been extending its footprint in the fast-growing Latin American market, having recently launched in Mexico and Buenos Aires City.
Peru’s new licensing regime came into effect in February 2024, and PlayUZU was among the first operators to receive the go-ahead from the country’s regulator. The platform boasts an unparalleled games portfolio with top titles from the biggest and best game studios in the world.
Helena Rico Head of Marketing Spain and LatAm at PlayUZU.pe said: “In an industry dominated by bonuses with complicated terms and conditions and deceptive small print, we think Peruvian players will enjoy PlayUZU’s unique proposition of a fair deal with no wagering requirements. We also believe that by providing players with a fun and localized gaming experience we can make PlayUZU a top brand in this exciting new market.”
The Unit, a leader in nearshore product development and marketing services for sports betting and iGaming, has entered a collaboration with leading sports betting and iGaming provider Sportingtech.
Sportingtech is a renowned provider of turnkey betting and gaming solutions designed for regulated and emerging markets around the globe. Sportingtech’s iGaming platform offers everything covering sportsbook and casino via a modular system and intuitive back office for a fully omni-channel solution.
The Unit will develop apps for Sportingtech’s brands in Brazil, with The Unit bringing its expertise in creating native iOS and Android applications tailored to the specific needs of clients. This partnership has already included a successful redesign of Sportingtech’s sportsbook, with The Unit utilising its ability to design and develop robust, scalable platforms which deliver a seamless user experience.
Paddy Casey, Co-founder at The Unit, said: “Sportingtech is one of the leading suppliers in the sports betting and iGaming industries, and we are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership.
“We are pleased to bring our extensive knowledge and expertise to ensure Sportingtech’s brands operate with the strongest possible mobile app.
“This follows the launch of Sportingtech’s redesigned sportsbook, where our team were able to provide our bespoke software development services to address unique business requirements and challenges.
“We very much look forward to working with Sportingtech and making the most of the synergies this partnership will present.”
Tommy Molloy, Chief Product Officer from Sportingtech, said: “Partnering with The Unit reflects our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that empower operators to stand out in competitive markets like Brazil. The Unit’s expertise as a trusted developer ensures our partners can achieve peak performance and provide unparalleled user experiences.
“Following the successful launch of our newly redesigned sportsbook, this collaboration reinforces our focus on continuous improvement and flexibility, enabling us to offer an industry-leading turnkey platform that sets new standards in customisation and growth.”
With offices in Ireland and Moldova, and a newly-formed USA division opening in New York in January 2025, The Unit has an unwavering commitment to becoming the partner of choice throughout the industry. In addition to its broad-ranging marketing services, the team has solidified its strong track record of building world-class, scalable and efficient products for the sports betting and iGaming sector in recent years.
As The Unit embarks on this period of growth, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional products and services to its clients. With its experienced team, best-in-class product development capabilities, and focus on innovation, The Unit is poised to shape the future of the sports betting and iGaming industries.
-
Cassiano Pereira Junior6 days agoGLI Becomes First Laboratory to be Accredited in Maranhão, Brazil
-
Bingo Casino6 days ago
Betano Receives Licence to Operate in Colombia
-
BGaming5 days ago
BGaming pens Brazilian multi-brand agreement with Cometa Gaming
-
Brazil Interactive6 days ago
INSPIRED APPOINTS SEBASTIAN NOGUES AS HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – BRAZIL INTERACTIVE
-
Condor Link6 days agoIGT Delivers Wide-Area Progressive Content to Colombia with Condor Link Game
-
Balkans5 days ago
Serbia’s ZLF Urges Total Ban on Gambling Ads
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
MGA Marks Safer Gambling Week by Hosting Focus Group on Addressing Problem Gambling
-
Balkans4 days ago
CT Interactive to Showcase Innovative Gaming Solutions at BEGE 2024
